Google and WhatsApp Bring Satellite Calls to Pixel 10 – ChannelNews

Google has teamed up with WhatsApp to deliver a world-first feature on its new Pixel 10 smartphones – voice and video calls over a satellite connection. The feature, announced via Google’s official X account, will launch on August 28, the same day the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL come out in Australia. Unlike Apple’s iPhone, which limits satellite use to SOS alerts, or Samsung’s Galaxy S25 which supports basic text messaging, the Pixel 10 series will be the first to make everyday WhatsApp calls without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. In a demo video, a Pixel 10 was shown receiving a WhatsApp call with a satellite icon in the status bar, highlighting how the service will work in remote or network-dead zones. Google says the rollout will initially cover only select carriers, and extra charges may apply, though details for Australian users are yet to be confirmed. The integration builds on Google’s broader satellite push. Alongside SOS alerts, Maps and Find My Hub have recently gained satellite-based location sharing. Now, WhatsApp is being positioned as the first mainstream app to leverage this expanded network access. Messaging via satellite, however, will remain exclusive to Google Messages for
Read More